May 20, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The North Carolina fencing team finished a successful 2007-08 season tied for 17th at the NCAA Championships, hosted by Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio, March 13-16.

"This was a particularly strong NCAA Championship tournament and I think that our fencers did an excellent job showing they can compete at the highest levels of collegiate fencing," said UNC coach Ron Miller, who wrapped up his 41st season at the Tar Heel helm. "I am very proud of our athletes and the work that they've put in throughout the season. We're looking forward to building on this experience for next year and coming back as an even stronger, more focused team."

Five Tar Heels competed at NCAA Championships, with qualification based 60 percent on regional tournament results and 40 percent on regular-season results. Sophomore sabreist Jennifer Sawicki, competing at the championship for the second year in a row, placed 16th to give UNC its highest individual finish. Also in the women's field for the second time was sophomore foilist May-Lynne Chen-Contino, who placed 24th.

"I felt this past season has been one of the strongest seasons UNC has seen in awhile," Chen-Contino said. "The team stepped up to a higher level of performance this season and I am really proud of my teammates."

On the men's side, UNC had three competitors - Benton Heimsath, Bobby Ziechmann and Kevin Ziechmann. Heimsath, a senior epeeist, returned to the championship for the first time since his freshman year and placed 24th. Bobby Ziechmann, a junior sabreist, placed 18th in his third appearance in the championship field. Freshman sabreist Kevin Ziechmann placed 24th overall.

"The NCAA Championship is my favorite tournament, because every bout is a challenge," Bobby Ziechmann said. "I would have liked to finish better, but I'm looking forward to next year and to training harder to achieve my goal of becoming an All-American."

Host Ohio State claimed the 2008 title with a total of 185 points. Notre Dame was second with 176, and Columbia (158), Penn State (155) and St. John's (145) rounded out the top five. With 31 points, UNC shared 17th with Cornell and Brandeis.